YOUNTVILLE, CA. (April 17, 2017) – Bardessono Hotel & Spa, the luxurious, LEED Platinum Certified wine country retreat in the heart of Napa Valley, is pleased to appoint James M.K. Te’o, a level 1 sommelier, as the new director of food and beverage for the hotel and its signature restaurant, Lucy. Bringing more than 18 years of experience, Te’o is responsible for the management and successful operations of all food and beverage processes and events, as well as establishing “exceptional by nature” culinary guest services.
“My belief is to create relationships based on unique culinary experiences at Bardessono. These experiences enhance the hotel’s offering and maximize the financial opportunity within food & beverage,” said James Te’o, director of food & beverage and sommelier. “With the team at Bardessono and Lucy, I look forward to achieving success.”
Te’os creativity and persistent work ethic has led him to the opening of ‘Umalu Restaurant, Andaz San Diego, Japengo Restaurant, and the SHOR Restaurant. He was the general manager of Ciao Mein Restaurant at the Hyatt Waikiki and the ‘Umalu Restaurant at the Hyatt Maui. Te’o also has experience as the director of restaurants for Westin Market Street located in San Francisco. Most recently, Te’o has worked as the director of front office operations in Park Central San Francisco. Te’o attended the University of Hawaii and after learning experiences as a culinary cook working along side Chef Alexander Alioto at San Francisco’s Seven Hills and PLIN, he went on to receive his Court of Master Sommeliers.
“We feel very fortunate to have James’ energy, creativity and passion for this leadership role at Bardessono and Lucy,” says Sileshi Mengiste vice president of operations for Bardessono. “James will lead our team to great heights.”
Operating around a food and beverage philosophy ruled by the seasons, Lucy Restaurant & Bar has become a Napa Valley favorite and iconic experience that emphasizes local production and sourcing. The rotating menu uses only locally-sourced and freshly picked ingredients when possible from the onsite culinary garden. The culinary team at Lucy is passionate about working closely with Napa Valley farmers and organic dairy producers to create locally-inspired dishes.
Recently recognized as a one of the top 50 luxury hotels in the U.S., scoring in the top 10 percent of domestic hotels by U.S. News & World Report and nestled in the heart of Yountville, Bardessono prides itself on offering a mindful approach to living the good life. “Deep green” with luxury, a subtle aesthetic, privacy and graciousness, Bardessono models hospitality with enduring expressions of land and family that fostered and sustained the original Bardessono family farmstead. The hotel boasts Lucy Restaurant & Bar with its own on-site, CCOF (California Certified Organic Farming) culinary garden, and a full service spa as well as personalized spa treatment areas in each of its guest rooms.
To learn more about Bardessono Hotel & Spa, please call (707) 204-6000, visit www.bardessono.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
